Wounded Warrior Project starts search for new CEO to build on gains after controversy
A change in command is coming for the top spot at Wounded Warrior Project, the Jacksonville-based nonprofit that went through a rocky stretch a few years ago but has regained the support of donors and remains one of the nation's largest charitable organizations.
Mike Linnington, a retired Army lieutenant general who has been CEO of Wounded Warrior Project since June 2016, announced Wednesday he plans to step down in January. He will continue working as CEO while the organization conducts a national search for a successor.
"It has been a privilege and an incredible honor to serve those who have given so much to our country," Linnington said in a statement.
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He credited the work of others in the organization, the nonprofit's public and private partners, "and especially the American people who have generously supported our mission for two decades."
The transition to a new CEO comes as Wounded Warrior Project marks its 20th anniversary of providing services at no cost to post 9/11 veterans and their families. The nonprofit, whose headquarters is on Belfort Road just off Butler Boulevard, started on a small scale but touched a chord nationwide. It experienced blistering growth until it faced a series of critical media reports about "lavish spending."
Wounded Warrior Project issued a report that pushed back on the criticism but the board also said it needed to cut ties with its two top executives in March 2016 and bring in new leadership to strengthen policies and procedures.
U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, launched his own inquiry that concluded in 2017 that Wounded Warrior Project was "taking steps to fix shortcomings."
Donations to Wounded Warrior Project reached $373 million in the 2015 fiscal year but then plummeted to $211 million by 2017. The charity was forced to lay off end some of its programs and lay off employees.
Since then, the organization under Linnington's leadership has steadily rebuilt its donor base each year. Contributions reached about $388 million in the 2022 fiscal year, according to the Form 990 posted on the group's web site. A Forbes list of the nation's 100 biggest charitable organizations put Wounded Warrior Project at 58 on the list.
Wounded Warrior Project Board Chairwoman Kathleen Widmer said the organization "will search extensively for a leader" to follow Linnington as CEO.
"His steadfast commitment to warriors, our core values and fulfilling our donors' intent is unwavering," she said in the announcement of Linnington's upcoming retirement. "We are grateful for his dedication and leadership."
Before joining Wounded Warrior Project, Linnington's 35-year military career included combat missions as a brigade commander in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. He moved to Jacksonville to take the CEO position and plans to remain here in retirement.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Wounded Warrior Project CEO Mike Linnington announces retirement
